Top 6 Fitness Apps: Are They Useful and Should You Use Them?

Getting exercise is imperative for living a long, healthy life that hopefully is never plagued with major disease and illness. Yet, for most of us, finding the time to exercise or an activity we enjoy is the hardest part. In recent years, fitness apps have surged in popularity, helping to revolutionize how people approach their fitness and health goals. 

With smartphones and wearable technology (i.e., smartwatches), these apps offer a convenient and accessible means to track all workouts, monitor various fitness metrics, and stay motivated. Fitness apps also cater to a wide range of needs, whether you are looking to log your running miles, find simple yet challenging strength workouts, or even just count your steps throughout the day to encourage extra movement. The rise of fitness apps has transformed how we engage with fitness and weight loss, offering personalized experiences that were once only available through personal trainers or specialized programs.

Staying fit and healthy is more crucial than ever for physical well-being and mental health. Regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improves mood, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall quality of life.^{1, 5} This article aims to explore the effectiveness of fitness apps, guide you in selecting the right one based on your personal goals, and help you determine if incorporating a fitness app into your routine is the best choice. By the end, you will understand how these digital tools can support your fitness journey and which app you’ll want to download and use today.

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Are Fitness Apps Useful?

Fitness apps offer many benefits, from personalized workouts to tracking nutrition, making them a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their health and wellness. Research supports the effectiveness of fitness apps in promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes.² A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that users of fitness apps were significantly more active compared to non-users, with an average increase of 1500 steps per day during previous sedentary times.³ 

Another study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine discovered that fitness app users were more likely to exercise regularly and reported higher levels of physical activity and weight loss.⁴ By integrating technology into our fitness routines, these apps make staying active more accessible, more engaging, and more effective. 

Here are some key benefits of using a fitness app to help you feel more fit and active.

• Convenience and Accessibility: You can easily access workouts and fitness plans anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone or smartwatch.
• Workout Variety: Choose from a wide range of exercises and routines tailored to different fitness goals and levels of ability. Many fitness apps include running, walking, weight lifting, and yoga workouts.
• Tracking Progress: Monitor your activity, set goals, and track how much you’ve improved over time with detailed metrics and charts looking at strength, endurance, weight loss, etc.
• Personalized Plans: Some apps provide customized workout and nutrition plans based on your individual preferences and goals.
• Cost-Effective: These apps offer professional-quality workout programs and live workout videos at a fraction of the cost of personal trainers or gym memberships.
• Integrations: Download your workouts and metrics to a fitness tracker or smartwatch for easy tracking during exercise.
• Community Support: Join online communities and forums within the app for accountability, additional support, motivation, and advice. Some apps offer fun and competitive challenges for their community members to make fitness more fun.

Choosing the Right Fitness App

When selecting a fitness app, consider various criteria to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. For example, it’s important to understand your fitness goals fully, whether it's weight loss, muscle gain, improved endurance, or overall wellness, as different apps cater to these objectives. Evaluate the app's features, such as the variety of workouts, progress tracking capabilities, and availability of personalizing your exercise and nutrition plans. User interface and experience are also crucial; a user-friendly design can make navigating the app more enjoyable and efficient. 

Additionally, ensure the app is compatible with your devices, including smartphones and wearables, for seamless integration. Cost is another important factor, as fitness apps range from free versions with basic features to premium subscriptions offering advanced options. Ensure you know which features are important and if you want to pay extra for them! 

Lastly, read user reviews and ratings to gauge the app's reliability and effectiveness from the experiences of others. You can typically find reviews online or when searching Apps on the App Store. By weighing these factors, you can choose a fitness app that best aligns with your fitness journey and helps you achieve your goals.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=how-much-to-exercise-weekly>How Much to Exercise Weekly Based on Your Goals</a>.</div>

Pros and Cons of the Top 6 Fitness Apps

With the intimidating amount of fitness apps available today, choosing the right one can be daunting. After considering the criteria above, you may still find many apps that match your needs and wants. So, to help you pick the right one, we’ve compared some of the most popular fitness apps, highlighting their pros and cons and some of the costs.

1. Nike Training Club

• Pros:
  • Wide variety of workouts for all fitness levels.
  • Professionally designed by Nike trainers who guide you through workouts.
  • Free access to most features.
  • Personalized workout recommendations.
  • Minimal workout equipment is required for most workouts.
• Cons:
  • Limited nutrition tracking features.
  • Requires internet connection for streaming videos.
  • Lacks comprehensive progress tracking.
  • No integration with other fitness devices.

2. Peloton

• Pros:
  • Extensive library of live and on-demand classes.
  • High-energy and engaging instructors.
  • Variety of workouts like yoga, meditation, and strength.
  • Community features for motivation and accountability.
  • Can use it without having a Peloton device.
• Cons:
  • More expensive subscription fee ($12.99/month for basic, $24/month if using it with cycling and treadmill workouts).
  • Requires a strong internet connection for streaming.
  • Limited outdoor workout tracking and no nutrition tracking.
  • Some users may find the competitive aspect intimidating.

3. Strava

• Pros:
  • Excellent for tracking running and cycling routes and strength workouts and walks.
  • Strong social component with community features.
  • Detailed performance analytics to help progress fitness and avoid overtraining.
  • Integration with various fitness devices (i.e., smartwatches, cellphones, etc.).
  • The free version offers substantial features, making a premium subscription unnecessary for most.
• Cons:
  • Limited workout variety beyond running and cycling.
  • Privacy concerns with location tracking.
  • A premium subscription is needed for advanced features.
  • Some users may find the competitive aspect intimidating.

4. FitOn

• Pros:
  • Wide range of free workouts, including cardio, strength, and yoga.
  • High-quality instructional videos from professional trainers.
  • No equipment is required for many exercises.
  • Customizable workout plans.
  • Social features to connect with friends and join group challenges.
• Cons:
  • Requires internet connection for streaming workouts.
  • Limited nutrition and meal planning features.
  • A premium subscription is needed for personalized meal plans and additional features, but the cost is less than others ($25/6 month subscription or $30/year). 
  • Does not integrate with all wearables (i.e. Fitbit watches, apple watches, etc.).

5. MyFitnessPal

• Pros:
  • Comprehensive food database for tracking nutrition with easy-to-use calorie and macro counting.
  • Integrates with various fitness devices and apps including smartwatches and your phone.
  • Personalized diet and fitness recommendations.
  • Access to a large community for social support and motivation.
• Cons:
  • The free version has limited features and intrusive ads at times.
  • Requires manual input for accurate tracking which can be time-consuming and tedious.
  • Premium subscriptions can be costly ($20/month).

6. Fitbit

• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Fitbit wearables.
  • Accurate activity and sleep tracking.
  • User-friendly app interface.
  • Detailed health insights and inclusion of trends for tracking progress.
  • Motivational challenges and social features keep fitness fun and engaging.
• Cons:
  • You must have a Fitbit device to access all features, which can be expensive upfront ($100+).
  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription (approximately $80/year).
  • Battery life of wearables can be a concern.

How to Know if You Should Use a Fitness App at All

Determining whether a fitness app is right for you involves asking yourself key questions about your fitness goals, habits, and preferences. Start by considering what you hope to achieve with your fitness journey: are you looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or maintain overall health? Assess your level of motivation and discipline: do you find it challenging to stay consistent without external guidance and reminders? 

Evaluate your comfort with technology; a fitness app will be more effective if you feel comfortable navigating its features. Additionally, consider your budget for fitness-related expenses and whether you prefer working out alone or with some form of guidance.

If a fitness app doesn't seem like the right fit, several alternatives exist. Personal trainers offer customized, one-on-one guidance and accountability, while gym memberships provide access to various equipment and group classes. Online fitness programs can also be a good option, offering structured plans and professional instruction without requiring app usage. 

If you decide to incorporate a fitness app into your routine, set realistic and achievable goals to maintain motivation. Consistency is key, so make a schedule to stick to and use the app's tracking and reminder features to stay on course. Remember to balance app workouts with other physical activities to avoid monotony and ensure a well-rounded fitness regimen.

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<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=food-tracking>10 Best Food Tracking Apps of 2024</a>.</div>